As part of the 175th anniversary celebrations of the Belfast School of Art, five distinguished leaders in the fields of creative industries and art therapy have been appointed as Visiting Professors.
These appointments not only mark the School's longstanding tradition of excellence in the arts but also highlights its commitment to expanding global conversations on key creative practices, ranging from animation and textiles to art therapy. The appointments, made across a diverse range of disciplines, will strengthen the connection between the University and international developments in these vital fields.
The five Visiting Professors bring a wealth of expertise, each a recognised leader in their discipline.
- Paul Young, a prominent figure in animation, will lend his experience to support cutting-edge discussions on the future of animated storytelling.
- Lynn Sayers McHattie, an expert in design innovation and textiles, will offer invaluable perspectives on the intersection of craft, design, and technology.
- Lucy Kimbell, a leader in design research, will engage with conversations surrounding the role of design in policymaking and democratic innovation.
- Val Huet and Lisa Hinz are two internationally acclaimed art therapy scholars and educators who will contribute their expertise to the further development of the MSc Art Psychotherapy training in addition to the continuing professional development of art therapists in Northern Ireland.
Reflecting on the significance of these appointments, Professor Paul Connolly, Pro Vice Chancellor & Executive Dean of Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, said:
"We are thrilled to welcome these highly accomplished individuals to Ulster University as Visiting Professors. Their profiles exemplify the core values of the School - creativity, innovation, and social impact. As part of our 175th anniversary, these appointments will inspire conversations about the future of creative practices and strengthen the School's position at the forefront of global discourse in art and design."
These Visiting Professors will support ongoing School-wide conversations on questions relating to the future of creative practices (Paul Young and Lucy Kimbell), the value of place-based design (Lyn Sayers McHattie), the role of design in policy making and democratic innovation (Lucy Kimbell), the valuing of art media within the expressive therapies continuum in art therapy (Lisa Hinz), and the acknowledgement of lived experience expertise co-producing art therapy services (Val Huet).
Their involvement will further enhance the academic environment, offering students and staff alike the opportunity to engage with global perspectives on some of the most pressing topics in contemporary creative practice.
Dr Brian Dixon, Head of the Belfast School of Art, added:
“The appointments reinforce the Belfast School of Art’s commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment where art and design are not only taught but actively shape conversations around culture, policy, and therapeutic practice. Through these distinguished Visiting Professors, the School continues to honour its legacy while looking to the future of creative education.”
Event with Dr. Val Huet
Creative Health & Arts Therapies: Our Shared Roots and Growth
Dr. Val Huet, Visiting Professor for MSc Art Psychotherapy programme, will deliver a public lecture on the connection between art, health & creativity:
- On Thursday 6 February
- From 5pm – 6pm
- Belfast School of Art, Enterprise Hub, Room BA-00-008
Find out more and reserve your place via Eventbrite.
Find out more:
For further information on the 175th anniversary of the Belfast School of Art, visit www.ulster.ac.uk/bsoa
If you have any further questions, contact Dr Brian Dixon by email to b.dixon@ulster.ac.uk
Photo caption: from top left to right: Val Huet, Lisa Hinz, Lynn Sayers McHattie and Paul Young. Missing from the photo is Lucy Kimbell.